Putao & Himalaya

Bordered by China, Tibet and India, the town is located at similar latitude as Bhutan and situated 1,499ft/457m above sea level. The fertile valley is encircled by forests of bamboo and sub alpine species, lush jungles that have rarely been traversed by foreign visitors.

Kachin, Rawang and Lisu ethnic minority villages dot the area, and determined missionaries have made Christianity the dominant religion here. Receiving only a few hundred foreign visitors per year, Putao offers unmatched potential for ecotourism, adventure and exploration of the sub Himalayan wilderness. Hkakabo Razi, the highest peak for example, rises 5,881 metres and from town would take one month to reach just the base due to the unexplored nature of the paths. Real adventures awaits once the region is more open for tourism.